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Vecsey says Pacers offering everyone except JO and Grange for AI

December 12, 2006 -- UNLIKE so much of what's being upchucked over the internet regarding Proposition Allen Iverson, much of it oozing from ESPN's thin air, no guess-work follows, only facts. Meaning, there's definitely a chance a legit-bidding team or two may escape mention (how's that for covering one's flanks!).

On the other hand, you can go to sleep knowing what you read below is real.

But first let's dismiss, hopefully for the last time, any fantasies about the Knicks obtaining Iverson in any kind of deal that does or doesn't include Chris Webber. They are not, I repeat, any kind of participant in this situation.

In fact, it wouldn't be surprising to learn Isiah Thomas is prohibited by Camp Cablevision boss James Dolan from cooking up any catastrophes that would cost the Knicks additional obligations past their current long-term luxury hole, or hamstring his eventual replacement any more than he'll be.

The Bobcats, flaunting $13-to-$14 millions in prized cap space, are attempting to play facilitator for the 76ers. Management adamantly refuses to part with a single one of its precious young bloods, even Brevin Knight. Despite getting sacked 15 of 20 times, the third-year expansion franchise wisely is preaching patience and, at the same time, is prepared to assume a salary for a season (not Iverson's, though) for the right compensation - solid player, draft pick, money or all of the above.

That's one option, a rather critical one, for Sixers president Billy King. It allows him to get several teams into the mix. That type of transaction, of course, could translate into Philly obtaining more attractive pieces than it can if only one team is involved.

"I don't know who's putting this stuff out there," a team executive groaned in exasperation. "But it all forces me to call Chris Mullin."

The Warriors are as active and aggressive in diving on Iverson's loose body as any team. Not to keep A.I. (and you thought Don Nelson was seriously about playing smallest) but to re-route his $49M, two-years-to-go debt along with at least one of their dead-weight contracts - Adonal Foyle, Troy Murphy or Mike Dunleavy. Jason Richardson is the guy King has coveted for some time. However, his surgically repaired knee is hurting (swollen) - and not only in the healing area.

In talk last summer, the 76ers approached the Clippers about Iverson for Corey Maggette and Shaun Livingston. That same trade is on the table. The thing is, Livingston is utterly untouchable along with Elton Brand and Chris Kaman. If you see their names mentioned in any scenario, you know the writer is source-less. Everybody else is available.

Keeping it out west, the Kings are offering Mike Bibby (who obviously is very appealing), I think. Would he really want to be united with his father, Henry, a Sixers assistant? Would he really want to be reunited with Webber? On the other hand, former Sixers John Salmons, Kenny Thomas and Corliss Williams celebrated their offensive freedom after distancing themselves from Iverson.

It's not clear whether he is more or less appealing because he owns an early-out after this season. It's hard to say whether the 76ers would be happy if he walked away from his two-year ($13.5M/$14.5M) pact or would want a guarantee from him that he'll honor it.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves remain in the hunt, if only to appease Kevin Garnett, who's clamoring to play with Iverson. Yes, Randy Foye is desirable. But it's decidedly doubtful the 76ers want anything to do with Minnesota's myriad bad contracts belonging to Marko Jaric, Troy Hudson, Mark Blount, Mark Madsen, Mike James and Trenton Hassell. The Sixers want to dump salary, not reproduce it. Ricky Davis is conceivable because he has but one year ($6.8M) left after this.

That leaves Indiana (offering Jamaal Tinsley and just about anyone except Jermaine O'Neal and Danny Granger) and Boston. Danny Ainge is determined to land himself an established veteran and Iverson is it. Paul Pierce is not available. Plenty of sacrificial Celtics are there for the 76ers' plucking, except Al Jefferson. It'd be stunning to think otherwise.

That screeching in the background is Jerry West beseeching outgoing (?) owner Michael Heisley for permission to enter the chase.

Re: Vecsey says Pacers offering everyone except JO and Grange for AI

Personally I'd offer JT, Jax & Daniels. I'm guessing Philly would prefer Quis, Foster & Al. Hopefully a compromise can be found with either Tinsley or Jackson being shipped (Tinsley+Al+Foster?).

In any case - I'd do it. I like Iverson. He's not the ball hog he used to be (10th in the league in assists this season). He knows he's starting to decline, but he still "has it" when he needs to, like a real vet. A mature Iverson can carry a good team very far.

Re: Vecsey says Pacers offering everyone except JO and Grange for AI

Just for the record - Steven A Smith was just on ESPN radio "Mike & Mike" and he never mentioned the Pacers.

Tom, you beat me to it, well at least I'll back you up.

Also for the record: I'd put the chances of the Pacers getting Iverson at about 5%, but then two days ago I would have said about 1%. What is more interesting to me is that the Pacers are apparently trying

Re: Vecsey says Pacers offering everyone except JO and Grange for AI

Wasn't it SAS who got it right about Ron for Peja?
Or was it Vecsey who broke it first (or was that just the trade demand)?
I dont remember...

Anyway - who is more reliable?
I know Vecsey has good inside information about the Pacers, but how about the rest of the league, or specifically - Philly?
Is SAS more credible cause he's a more public figure?

Or,

Are both of them being misinformed to create a smokescreen for the real action?

Re: Vecsey says Pacers offering everyone except JO and Grange for AI

Wasn't it SAS who got it right about Ron for Peja?
Or was it Vecsey who broke it first (or was that just the trade demand)?
I dont remember...

Anyway - who is more reliable?
I know Vecsey has good inside information about the Pacers, but how about the rest of the league, or specifically - Philly?
Is SAS more credible cause he's a more public figure?

Or,

Are both of them being misinformed to create a smokescreen for the real action?

I consider Vescey beyond reproach in these matters. Keep in mind Vescey is only reporting that the Pacers are interested in Iverson and who the Pacers are offering . Vescey is not predicting the Pacers are going to get him.

Re: Vecsey says Pacers offering everyone except JO and Grange for AI

I dunno if this was posted before, but ...

Could the "stomach-flu" and other health problems the Pacers suddenly encountered have any relation to the AI trade?
Could it have been a showcase game of Tinsley? Granger? Baston? or ... Shawne Williams?
Consider this: Billy King loves Shawne Williams and would love to join him with Rodney Carney as the Sixers core for the next decade. He also likes Granger who was a steal at 17 and never had the supposed knee problems that kept him out of the lottery, and suddenly - the Pacers have cheap young talent to offer.

Shawne played great against Chicago and so did Tinsley & Granger.

To make the salaries work you still need to involve 2 of either Quis, Jax, Al or Foster, AND the Sixers would need to give up at least 2 players for roster spaces, and maybe a 2nd rounder to sweeten "aging Indiana"'s deal, but could that be the deal that's not only being talked about, but already setting the wheels in motion by sitting Al, Daniels, Jax & JO and giving for the first time in this season playing time to young Shawne Williams?

Tinsley+(Jax or Quis)+(Al or Foster)+(Granger or Williams) for AI+2 fillers+2nd rounder ?

Re: Vecsey says Pacers offering everyone except JO and Grange for AI

It seems to me as if the Pacers are really trying but Boston just has much more to give. They might be overpaying even but that might be necessary to get the Sixers to trade within that division (something important considering that usually only the winner of the division makes it to the playoffs).

The Pacers are playing it perfectly. Giving up either JO or Granger for AI is a lateral move. I would say to the Sixers: here's a list of five guys. Take any three of them. If you let us keep Foster or Harrington, you can have David Harrison. If you let us keep Marquis Daniels, you can have Shawne Williams.

Re: Vecsey says Pacers offering everyone except JO and Grange for AI

In terms of need, the Sixers already have Iguodola and Carney-they don't need another swingman in the form of Danny. They do need a point and Shawne Williams is probably also an intriguing player for a lot of teams. Big Dave might also be someone who'd thrive with more PT.

Personally, I'd like to see Tinsley and AI in the same backcourt (impossible to keep both out of the lane), and any trade that doesn't somehow manage to get rid of Jackson is a disappointment.

Re: Vecsey says Pacers offering everyone except JO and Grange for AI

David Harrison has to be attractive to the 76ers. Sure he hasn't played much this season, but his per-minute numbers the past 2 seasons and great size and upside are intriguing. And remember, Hulk's dad was a Pro Bowler for the Philadelphia Eagles, nothing major, but I'm sure 76ers fans who are longtime Eagles fans would get a kick out of it.